
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 28, 1993                   TAG: 9305280105
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

AIR FORCE ANNOUNCES BRAND NEW FORMATION

The Air Force announced major changes in the makeup of its combat and other forces Thursday, including the first shift of heavy bombers into reserve roles.

The changes would take their heaviest economic toll on Michigan, New Jersey, California, Florida and South Carolina. New York and Nevada stand to gain the most.

The changes in many cases have been in the works for months, but this was the first time the Air Force gave details of the effect on the number of active-duty slots at air bases, training sites and other installations.

The restructuring takes into account base closings and realignments already under way as well as those proposed by the 1993 Base Closure and Realignment Commission, which is due to report to Congress on July 1.

The changes reflect efforts to save money, reduce the overall size of the Air Force and adjust to post-Cold War needs.

Air Force bases in 42 states are affected. Some are to gain aircraft and jobs, others will lose. In many cases the decisions are described as preliminary and the Air Force did not say exactly when the changes would be made.

by CNB